Format friendly encryption

Abstract

Techniques are disclosed for encrypting application data files using a format-friendly encryption process. A software agent may create an encrypted version of an application file using the same data file format of the unencrypted file. For example, when a user encrypts a word processing document, the software agent outputs a word processing document which includes an encrypted copy of the first word processing document. Application data files for other file formats may be encrypted in a similar manner. Further, format-friendly encrypted documents may include instructions for accessing the encrypted content, allowing the standard applications for accessing a given file format to present the instructions to a user. Creating encrypted document using the format-friendly encryption formats allows users who access an encrypted file hosted by a cloud storage provider to receive the information needed to access that application file.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]Embodiments of the invention generally relate to techniques for managing encrypted files. More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide format-friendly encryption techniques where the format of a file being encrypted is selected as a format for an encrypted copy of that file.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Protecting access to data is a well known issue in numerous contexts. For example, it is common for individuals to encrypt sensitive data using a variety of software encryption tools. Frequently, these tools are used to encrypt a file, e.g., a word-processor document, using a symmetric key generated form a password. So long as the user remembers the password, they can decrypt the document.[0005]Similarly, it is common for an enterprise to encrypt sensitive data created by users and a variety of tools are available for this purpose. For example, in an enterprise setting, documents (and other files) are encrypted using keys associ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for encrypting a data file and storing it in another file with the same format. The encryption is based on the file format of the original file and can be controlled by the user or the intended recipient of the file. This allows for secure sharing of data files and ensures that only authorized users can access the content. The technical effect of this invention is improved data security and protection.

Problems solved by technology

Protecting access to data is a well known issue in numerous contexts.

In such a case, when accessed by an application that can read the original data format, the encrypted content is unintelligible.

More generally, using encryption tools often creates friction in business processes within an enterprise, as once a user (or proxy acting on behalf of a user) encrypts data, it is no longer usable by the software that created and / or maintains that data.

This produces unfriendly results for users who try to access the file later, either forgetting to decrypt it first or not having the software on hand to decrypt it.

Furthermore, even if the end user understands encryption concepts and that a given application file has been encrypted, the end user might not be aware of what software to download or what steps are required to get a file into an unencrypted state.

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